Jozy Altidore ruled out for USA's World Cup match vs. Portugal

SAO PAULO – Striker Jozy Altidore will miss the U.S. national team’s World Cup match against Portugal on Sunday with a strained left hamstring, a U.S. Soccer Federation spokesperson confirmed.

Altidore was injured early in Monday’s win over Ghana and had to be stretchered off the field.

“We are hoping he will be available in the tournament,” the spokesperson said, meaning that it’s possible Altidore will play in the group stage finale against Germany on June 26 or in the second round if the U.S. (1-0-0) advances.

Altidore has started each of the five World Cup matches in which he's appeared, including four in 2010.

​Defender Matt Besler also exited the Ghana game with a hamstring issue, but he’ll be available in Manaus. U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said Wednesday that the Sporting Kansas City stalwart will be “no problem” for the Portugal match, and U.S. Soccer confirmed that Thursday.

Clint Dempsey, who suffered a broken nose about a half hour after putting the U.S. into the lead, also will be able to play on Sunday. He has not yet decided whether he will wear a protective mask against Portugal.

Altidore’s absence gives Klinsmann several tactical options. He can start the skillful Aron Johannsson, who filled in against Ghana but was largely ineffective as the U.S. struggled to maintain possession.

The manager also can opt for Chris Wondolowski, who’s more of a predatory striker. Or, the U.S. can revert to the 4-2-3-1, the alignment used throughout 2013. That would leave Dempsey as the lone forward but put more bodies into the midfield. Having that extra passing option, not to mention another set of eyes on Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, might make the most sense in a match crucial to the Americans' second-round prospects.

GALLERY: Best shots from USA 2, Ghana 1

U.S. 2, Ghana 1

John Brooks game winner on a header in the 86th minute of a 2-1 victory over Ghana will go down as one of the most memorable in U.S. World Cup history. It enabled the U.S. to defeat the team that had knocked it out of the previous two World Cups.

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The goal was the first by a U.S. substitute player in the history of the World Cup. It came in the waning minutes as the U.S. was desperately trying to survive waves of attacks from Ghana.

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U.S. 2, Ghana 1

Brooks' goal put the U.S. atop Group G with Germany, with Ghana and Portugal at the bottom, which is the way things would end up after the round-robin group stage play concluded.

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U.S. fans across the globe were overjoyed with the victory, including those in Hermosa Beach, Calif.

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Ghana has its work cut out for it, having to face Germany on the heels of Monday's defeat.

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Tim Howard celebrates the hard-earned victory.

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Jurgen Klinsmann did something his two predecessors couldn't -- defeat Ghana in a World Cup match.

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U.S. 2, Ghana 1

Clint Dempsey scored 34 seconds into the match against Ghana, the fastest ever scored by an American in the tournament and the sixth-fastest in World Cup history.

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Dempsey' goal made him the first U.S. player to score in three different World Cups.

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U.S. 2, Ghana 1

Dempsey used a nifty move to split John Boye and Sulley Muntari, then sent the left-footed shot past goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey, where the ball bounced off the post and in.

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The goal came on a low shot and showed the kind of technical flair seldom seen from a squad that typically scores through set pieces.

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U.S. 2, Ghana 1

Jozy Altidore suffered a left hamstring injury when he tried to control a long ball in the 21st minute against Ghana. He missed the next two games.

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He awaits tests that will determine whether he can return for this World Cup.

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If he's unable to continue, the U.S. won't be able to replace him on the roster.

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The U.S. faces Portugal Sunday in the hot and humid Amazon rain forest capital of Manaus -- in all likelihood with Altidore.

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The U.S. looked punchless on the attack after Altidore was taken off the field in a stretcher.

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U.S. 2, Portugal 2

In the first half against Ghana, Clint Dempsey suffered a broken nose after being kicked in the face by the high leg of defender John Boye.

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U.S. 2, Portugal 2

Dempsey stayed on the ground for a couple of minutes but never lost consciousness.

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The blow to his head didn't appear to be intentional.

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Dempsey was taken to the sidelines, where he received treatment while play continued. He returned to the field a few minutes later.

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Goaltender Tim Howard was played his usual strong and aggressive game.

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Howard punches this ball away from danger.

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Sulley Muntari of Ghana was so angry at Jermaine Jones that he almost threw a punch in this exchange.

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Ghana's Andre Ayew tied the match in the 82nd minute.

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Howard was caught leaning to his left on Ayew's goal. It was set up when Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan flicked a backheel pass to Ayew, who used the outside of his left foot for a powerful shot.

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U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard eyes the ball during the match against Ghana.

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